Atlanta Falcons

Preview

For the second week in a row, the Panthers pulled off a narrow home victory Sunday. The 17-13 win over the Browns extended their winning streak to three games and their record to 6-8-1. Despite the sub.-500 record, the Panthers will secure the NFC South with a win or tie in Week 17. RB DeAngelo Williams remained sidelined Sunday due to his hand injury, but QB Cam Newton returned from his back injury and avoided any setbacks. The Falcons snapped a two-game skid in Week 16 by mopping up the Saints 30-14 in New Orleans. A win over the Panthers in Week 17 will make them champions of the NFC South. WR Julio Jones returned from his oblique injury and made it through without a setback. RB Steven Jackson left the game with a quadriceps injury but is expected to play in Week 17. The road team has won each of the past two meetings between these squads, including Atlanta's 19-17 win in Carolina in Week 11. The Panthers are 3-4 ATS as underdogs on the road in 2014, while the Falcons are 1-2 ATS as favorites at home.